Abounding in Grace

Philippians 1:3-7

1/4/26

1. Read Philippians 1:6-7, What does it mean that the believers in Philippi were partakers of grace with Paul in verse 7. What does that mean? What were the channels or means by which they were partakers of grace?

2. Take a look at 2 Corinthians 9:8, James 4:6, Proverbs 3:34, and Hebrews 4:15-16. What is the difference between the grace mentioned in these passages and the grace mentioned in Ephesians 2:8-9? How are they related?

3. Does the idea of obtaining or experiencing grace from God in other areas besides salvation through faith make you wary in any way? Why or why not?

4. Spend some time in discussion about any activities or disciplines that are potential means by which we receive grace from God.

5. Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and Philippians 4:6-7. What means of grace can we see in these passages?

6. Think about the ordinances of communion and baptism. How can we experience God's blessing, sanctification, or strengthening of our faith; through these ordinances? Why doesn't simply participating impart any grace?

7. Discuss the illustration of the means of grace being 'faucets and switches" and the church being the "house" they exist within? what works or doesn't work about this illustration? Are there "faucets" or "switches that exist outside the "house"? Consider this quote from Charles Spurgeon:

"Beloved friends, let us never neglect the means of grace; wherever we are, let us not forget the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is. I say again, God may bless us when we are not in His house, but we have the best reason to hope that He will when we are in communion with His saints."

8. How have you seen God's sanctifying and sustaining grace extended to you as a believer?